BrassCraft Manufacturing is courting plumbing contractors with the new Zip-It tool, a cost-effective, chemical-free solution to common clogged drain problems.

"Zip-It could save the contractor time and is easy to use; it's always worth a try on a clogged drain," said channel marketing director Charles Pryde. "Every contractor should have one of these in his tool box and keep a ready supply on his truck."

After asking the Chamber of Commerce to reconsider its support for the American High-Performance Building Coalition lobby (AHPBC), Skanska USA has resigned from the board and removed its funding in protest of the Chamber's complicity in effectively curbing LEED sustainable building operations.

The Greenguard Gold certification process involves testing for low chemical emissions, which is aimed at reducing indoor air pollution and minimizing chemical exposure. The Greenguard Gold seal indicates that a product is safe for use in schools and healthcare facilities, among others, and is aimed at reducing risk for the most sensitive members of the population.

Ultratouch Denim Insulation, a product made from blue jeans and other recycled material, will now be available in 165 Lowe’s stores in the western U.S., according to its manufacturer. The rollout begins Aug. 6.

LEED v4, the proposed update to the nation’s most prevalent green building program, has been under intense pressure to change its current wood certification rating system, which only recognizes one set of standards, those of the Forest Stewardship Council. But the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), which oversees the LEED program and its current revision process, is now under fire for another part of the LEED update that has nothing to do with wood.

A group of plaintiffs seeking class action status have filed a lawsuit against decking manufacturer Fiberon over its Portico wood composite line. The lawsuit, filed March 14 in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania by Hagens Berman, a Seattle-based firm, claims that the decking has a defect that results in the growth of mold, mildew and other fungal growth. Furthermore, the complaint claims that Fiberon refused to repair the decks under its 20-year warranty.

An investigation into the death of a Michigan bathtub refinisher in 2010 has uncovered more than a dozen other fatalities that may be related to the same chemical compound. In the Feb. 24 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, a publication of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers looked at the effect of methylene chloride, a paint-stripping product marketed for use in aircraft maintenance.

An investigation into the death of a Michigan bathtub refinisher in 2010 has uncovered more than a dozen other fatalities that may be related to the same chemical compound. In the Feb. 24 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, a publication by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, researchers looked at the effect of methylene chloride, a paint-stripping product for aircraft maintenance marketed for use in aircraft maintenance.

According to an article in the Daily Herald, stores in the Chicago suburbs are objecting to confusing rules governing the sale of chemical cleaners.

A law intended to govern the sale of industrial strength chemicals could be interpreted as applying to household cleaners, according to some. And the fine for violation is up to $1,500, the article reported.

Atlanta-based cleaning and maintenance product supplier Zep Inc. said that 50 Zep commercial products will soon be offered in 1,360 Lowe's at a time when the retailer moves to enhance its cleaning and maintenance chemical category.

The additional line of Zep-branded professional strength solutions will be available to Lowe's customers by March 2012, according to Zep

DuPont has told the federal government it will stop the sales of a herbicide that has been blamed for damaging trees around the country, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times. The chemical manufacturer notified the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which is examining background studies conducted on the new weed killer, called Imprelis. The EPA is also looking at warnings and label directions on the product.

Midwest Gloves & Gear introduced new Ladies Garden Comfort Clogs. The lightweight, comfortable design is molded in advanced EVA material in the latest fashion colors. Removable insoles provide added comfort, and the clogs are easy to clean by rinsing off with a garden hose.

Comfort Clogs is a registered trademark of MidWest Quality Gloves, based in Chillicothe, Mo. The company markets a full line of premium quality work gloves, including lined leather, unlined leather, leather palm, chemical resistant, chore, jersey and cotton.